Last Name Rice

The surname Rice has origins dating back to Old English and Old Norse language roots. It is derived from the word "rhice" or "ryce," which means "rich" in Old Norse, or "reosa" in Old English, both words signifying "ricer," a person who deals with grain. The name was initially given as a nickname to someone who dealt with grain for a living, such as a miller, farmer, or trader of grains. Over time, the surname Rice spread across Europe and eventually found its way into various English-speaking regions like England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and North America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rice

The meaning and origin of the last name Rice

The surname Rice is an anglicized variant of the Old French "Riz" and the Norman-French "de Rys", both derived from the Latin "risum", meaning 'rice'. It is also connected to the Old Norse "rysi", which means 'marrow' or 'pith', referring to the inner grain of rice grains. The name was brought to England by the Normans after their conquest in 1066, and it eventually became popular throughout the British Isles and the Anglo-Saxon world. As a common occupational surname, Rice may have originated from someone who worked with rice, either as a cultivator, processor, or merchant. Over time, the surname Rice spread across Europe and the Americas due to migrations, becoming one of the most common surnames in many English-speaking countries today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rice

The surname "Rice" is widely distributed across the globe due to its Anglo-Saxon origins, with significant concentrations found in English-speaking countries. Historically, it is most prevalent in England and Wales, where it ranks among the top 200 most common last names. Significant populations bearing the name Rice can also be found in Ireland, Scotland, and other regions of the United Kingdom due to historical migrations and intermarriages. In the New World, the United States is home to a large number of people with the surname Rice, particularly in the South, reflecting the area's historical English settlement. The name Rice is also present in Canada, Australia, and other former British colonies. Moreover, due to the global trade and cultivation of rice as a staple food crop, variations of the name "Rice" can be found in numerous countries across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rice

The surname Rice has several variations and spellings, including Rice, Ryce, Rise, Rys, Reis, Reitz, Reiche, Reiss, Rejse, and Risbey. These variations can occur due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, or even changes over time. For example, the name "Reis" is commonly found in European countries like Germany, Netherlands, and Portugal, while "Rice" is more common in English-speaking countries. Additionally, a slight change in pronunciation can lead to different spellings; for instance, "Rise" may be pronounced as either "RIZ" or "RAISE," leading to the spelling variations. It's important to note that these variations do not significantly alter the overall meaning of the surname, which generally derives from the Old English word 'rhices,' meaning 'rice crop.'

Famous people with the last name Rice

The Rice family has produced several notable figures globally. In the United States, Martha J. Stewart Rice is a renowned author and television personality, best known for her home-making advice and business ventures through her show, "The Martha Stewart Show." Rice is also a former model and fashion designer. Her brother, Timothy Rice, is a successful playwright and composer, famous for collaborating with Andrew Lloyd Webber on the musicals "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Evita," which have enjoyed global acclaim. In sports, O. J. Simpson, also known as The Juice, was a star NFL player and actor, whose life gained international attention due to his high-profile murder trial in 1995. Rice is also the name of several politicians, scholars, athletes, and celebrities in various parts of the world, demonstrating the widespread influence of this surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Rice

The surname Rice has roots dating back to Old English and Norman-French origins. It is derived from the Old English 'rice' meaning 'rye', or the Norman-French 'ris' meaning 'peace'. The name was often given to children born during the harvesting season of rye, symbolizing abundance or peace. The earliest record of the surname Rice in England dates back to the 13th century. In this period, William le Riche appears in records from Lincolnshire and Norfolk counties. The name later spread throughout England and Scotland during the Middle Ages, with notable bearers including Richard de la Riche who served as Sheriff of Somerset in the 14th century. In America, the Rice family's history can be traced back to colonial times. Edward Rice arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 and became an early settler of Plymouth Colony. The family name also has roots in the American South, with members serving prominently in the Revolutionary War, particularly in the rice-producing regions of South Carolina and Georgia. Today, the surname Rice can be found worldwide, reflecting its long and varied history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rice"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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